Report: Jets face uphill battle in Cousins sweepstakes

The Kirk Cousins race was believed to be down to four suitors, and one team fears it may be out of the running.

A New York Jets source believes the soon-to-be free-agent quarterback may be destined for the Minnesota Vikings, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports.

The Jets, Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals are all expected to pursue Cousins at the outset of free agency, but after preliminary talks with Cousins' camp, the Jets source claims the general belief around the league is that he's headed for Minnesota.

The Vikings are believed to offer Cousins the best chance to win immediately, something the six-year pro has said he values more than the money he could net on the open market.

Clubs are permitted to begin negotiations with impending free agents March 12. Free agency opens March 14.